"One of the most damaging effects of vaping nicotine is
nicotine addiction itself. Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances
known to man. The developing teenage brain is highly susceptible to the
consequences of addiction in all forms, with adverse, long-term effects on
reasoning and cognitive functioning. Teens who vape nicotine are 3.5 times more
likely to smoke combustible tobacco later in life. And in studies of smokers,
we know that nicotine addiction is associated with triple the risk of opioid
abuse. Nicotine addiction is also strongly associated with mental health
disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Nicotine is not a safe product for
anyone, especially teens. We must do everything we can to protect the next
generation of adults from the destructive effects of nicotine addiction."
Thomas Dobbs MD, MPH
State Health Officer
